Oklahoma State (3-8, 0-8 Big 12) at Colorado (8-3, 6-2)
When/where: 10 a.m. Friday/Folsom Field
TV/Radio: ABC/850 KOA
BetMGM Line: CU -17, 65.5 over/under
Weather: 42 degrees, partly cloudy
Series History: CU leads 24-20-1; Buffs have lost three straight
Three storylines
Still got a chance: After last week’s letdown loss to Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium in which the Buffs were out-muscled up front, CU lost control of its destiny to make the Big 12 championship game, and thus the College Football Playoff. But not all hope is lost. If CU beats OSU on Friday, and two of the other teams currently tied atop the conference standings (Arizona State, BYU and Iowa State) lose, the Buffs are in. There’s also two scenarios where a BYU defeat, coupled with other Big 12 outcomes, gets CU in.
Assignment for the secondary: Oklahoma State doesn’t have much firepower, but the Buffs must make sure that star wideout Brennan Presley doesn’t beat them by himself. OSU’s all-time leader in receptions leads Power 4 players in active career all-purpose yards, and he’s the only player in the FBS this season with at least 700 receiving yards, 200 kickoff return yards and 50 rushing yards. Top cornerback Travis Hunter will likely cover Presley in man coverage against OSU’s largely one-dimensional pass-heavy offense.
Who can protect the QB?: While CU is last in the Big 12 with 33 sacks given up for 252 yards, the OSU O-line has been solid in protecting QB Alan Bowman. The Cowboys are tied for first in the Big 12 with 10 sacks allowed for 106 yards. But the Buffs’ defensive front poses a challenge. With BJ Green II leading the way with 6.5 sacks, and five other players with at least three sacks, CU’s 34 total sacks top the Big 12. If the Buffs get after Bowman, it’ll be a long day for OSU.
Predictions
Kyle Newman, sportswriter: CU 42, Oklahoma State 17
The Buffs respond in a big way after last week’s upset by KU. There’s a reason CU is a 17-point favorite against an OSU team that’s winless in conference play and features the worst defense in the Big 12 at 503.3 yards allowed per game. Shedeur Sanders shreds the OSU secondary for five touchdowns, with Travis Hunter catching two of them (and nabbing an interception).
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: CU 48, Oklahoma State 16
KU wrote the book on how to beat the Buffs. Unfortunately for Mike Gundy, his Cowboys forgot how to read a room about nine weeks ago. There’s only one way the Folsom Field finale for Shedeur Sanders, Shilo Sanders and Travis Hunter can go for the Pokes. And that’s badly. Very, very, very badly.
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Matt Schubert, sports editor: CU 38, Oklahoma State 21
The evidence is clear: The best way to beat the Buffs is to bludgeon them up front with a monster offensive line that opens up holes for a speedy running back (or two). You don’t try to out-skill the Buffs. That’s a losing proposition. Which is exactly why Oklahoma State makes for perfect cannon fodder in CU’s home finale. Look for Shedeur Sanders and Co. to have a field day — and Travis Hunter to add one more Heisman moment.
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